Aromatic invigorating coffee with milk was invented by Italians several centuries ago. The popularity of latte in the U.S. began to grow as soon as the drink appeared in the country. Every year, there are more and more recipes, and many Americans can no longer imagine a day without a cup of fragrant coffee with milk. In honor of their favorite drink, they came up with National Latte Day, a celebration quickly embraced by coffee lovers worldwide.
History
In black freshly brewed coffee, the Italians were the first to add hot milk. This practice began in the second half of the 17th century, and the drink was called latte.
In the United States, they learned about coffee with milk only in the early 20th century. Americans initially became addicted to espresso, which then became the basis for the preparation of latte. Unlike Italy, it began to be made not at home but in coffee shops. Fresh milk was first added to espresso in a small cafe in Berkeley, California.
For a long time, lattes were not very popular in the United States. Their taste was truly appreciated only in the early 90s when a huge number of chain coffee establishments opened in the country. Starbucks, Peet’s, and Caribou tried to attract as many customers as possible by expanding the range of coffee drinks.
Lattes made in coffee machines certainly have nothing to do with traditional Italian coffee with milk, but this fact does not make the drink less delicious. There are many additives that give the drink a unique taste (pumpkin, vanilla, chocolate). During the hot period, caffe latte is served cold.
Interesting facts
- Italians have preserved the tradition of drinking a cup of hot latte for breakfast for more than three centuries.
- In the United States, residents drink about 400 million cups of coffee daily; about 2% of this total is caffe latte.
- In 1950, a barista from Berkeley first prepared a latte for customers who found cappuccino too strong.
- Americans invented decorating the surface of the drink with a cream pattern in the early 90s.
- The first Latte Art competition was held in 2003.
How to celebrate
Do not deny yourself the pleasure of drinking a cup of caffe latte in the early morning. You can enjoy your favorite drink in a coffee shop or prepare it yourself.
On National Latte Day, it will be useful to learn the history of the famous coffee and experiment with additives in your own kitchen. New latte flavors can be offered to friends for evaluation.
When is National Latte Day in 2024?
National Latte Day is observed on February 11 each year.
Observations
Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
Tuesday | February | 11 | 2025 |
Wednesday | February | 11 | 2026 |
Thursday | February | 11 | 2027 |
Friday | February | 11 | 2028 |
Sunday | February | 11 | 2029 |